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Scapegoating: Dynamics and Interventions in Group Counseling
Author(s) -
Clark Arthur J.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
journal of counseling and development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.805
H-Index - 78
eISSN - 1556-6676
pISSN - 0748-9633
DOI - 10.1002/j.1556-6678.2002.tb00191.x
Subject(s) - scapegoating , psychological intervention , conceptualization , group psychotherapy , interpersonal communication , group counseling , psychology , group dynamic , psychotherapist , perspective (graphical) , countertransference , social psychology , clinical psychology , psychiatry , political science , computer science , artificial intelligence , politics , law
Scapegoating in group counseling may be understood from the perspective of 3 levels of group functioning: intrapsychic, interpersonal, and the group as an entity. Intense scapegoating interactions tend to trigger defense mechanisms among group members. The article reviews a progressive 3‐stage conceptualization of group development that contributes to a more complete understanding of the means to initiate therapeutic change of the phenomenon. Various interventions outlined in the article can assist the group counselor in effectively responding to scapegoating in group counseling.